Understanding Continental Drift Theory
Continental drift theory, proposed by Alfred Wegener in the early 20th century, suggests that continents were once joined together in a supercontinent known as Pangaea and have since drifted apart. Several lines of evidence support this theory.
Key Evidence for Continental Drift
- Fossil Evidence: Similar fossils of plants and animals have been found on continents that are now widely separated. For instance, the Mesosaurus fossil is found in both South America and Africa, indicating these continents were once connected.
- Geological Similarities: Mountain ranges and rock formations on different continents show striking similarities. The Appalachian Mountains in North America align with the Caledonian Mountains in Scotland, suggesting they were part of the same geological structure.
- Fit of the Continents: The coastlines of continents like South America and Africa appear to fit together like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle, hinting at their past connection.
- Paleoclimatic Evidence: Evidence of past climates, such as coal deposits found in cold regions and glacial deposits in warmer areas, supports the idea that continents have moved over geological time.
Modern Acceptance and Impact
Today, the theory of continental drift has evolved into the broader theory of plate tectonics, which explains the movement of the Earth's lithosphere. This has profound implications for understanding geological events such as earthquakes and volcanic activity.
In summary, the continental drift theory is supported by diverse evidence ranging from fossil records to geological formations, fundamentally changing our understanding of Earth’s history and the dynamic nature of its surface.

The ocean compress 69% of the Earth surface where is continent comprise 29% of the Earth surface